What Happens on the Cruise

89. The Edge of Glory

Adam stepped out of the shower. He could hear Aisha and Ericha chatting as they often did while Aisha was giving Ericha her sponge bath. He ignored the conversation, letting it flow past him as he toweled off and started getting dressed.

"So did you and Adam have sex last night?"

Adam froze, his hand partway to the doorknob.

"Hm. Yes... It was... nice."

"I'm glad you two are still pursuing a healthy sex life. So many couples struggle with intimacy after a spinal cord injury. Have you managed to have an orgasm yet?"

"Last night... yes. Not... during... regular sex... but after. He... used his mouth."

"I see. He is not just a talented beatboxer."

Ericha giggled. "He's always... been good with... his mouth."

Adam found himself blushing on hearing this frank discussion.

"Would you like me to check that there's no bruising or tearing?"

"He was... very gentle... but better... safe than... sorry."

Adam's blood ran cold and he quickly sat down on the toilet lid. Austin's voice from the past came immediately to mind. "They checked for any tearing or bruising, but didn't find anything, so..."

Last night he'd felt so giddy as Ericha's breath had hitched and gasped.

"Did you...?" he'd asked.

"Yes... Def...initely... yes."

And now someone was checking that he hadn't hurt her.

***

"Alaska's going to suck," Austin said, taking a bite of pancake.

"Why do you say that?"

"Just having to skip things or risk getting sick."

"Did you not want to go?" Tim asked.

"No. I want to go. I just... I wish it could be more normal."

"Next year will be better. You'll be more used to the prosthetic and you'll be on a more or less regular diet."

"And Ericha will be done with PT and out of the halo brace," Austin added.

"Yeah." Tim sighed, absent-mindedly playing with his food.

"Hey, Adam and Ericha are doing okay."

"I know. I just hate it for them."

Austin took Tim's hand. "We all do, hon. But they're not letting this hold them back."

"Tim? Tim Foust?"

Tim looked up, his eyes widening in surprise. "Oh. Hi." He seemed to search his memory for a second. "Henry, right?"

"That's me. Fancy meeting you here! Is this your man Austin?"

"It is," Tim answered. "Austin, this is my... second cousin?"

"Yup."

"Second cousin, Henry. Henry, this is my husband, Austin."

"Husband! I thought you was tying the knot in January."

"We had some things come up and wanted to do it sooner," Tim explained.

"Well, congratulations. Happy to meet you."

"Good to meet you," Austin replied, shaking his hand.

"I'm real sorry for those emails momma sent you. She had no right. We had a bit of a falling out over it."